Enforce the law
The correct response to lawlessness is not hand- wringing or mild chastisement. It is to enforce the law. When protesters become bully boys or rioters, when they go from marching to looting or burning cop cars or police stations, the proper answer is to arrest the bullies and rioters.
In Pittsburgh on Labor Day weekend, protesters marched through the Cultural District, but paused to harass and physically threaten restaurant patrons eating outside. That’s when they ceased to be peaceful protesters and became bullies.
One stole a drink from the table of a couple dining, drank it in front of them and then walked away.
Another took a glass from a table and threw it to the ground.
On Liberty Avenue, one yahoo and a counter yahoo seemingly attempted to assault each other.
And, once again, a mob wound up at the mayor’s house — disturbing the peace and blocking the street without a permit.
The mayor, who is deeply woke, or wants to be, may be gradually getting that old- time civic religion. He warned that he’d just about had it with the screamers on his step ( he’s had these visits to his home before) and that “actions have consequences.”
One day, someday, the bullies will be held accountable.
One day, someday, lawbreakers will be arrested in Pittsburgh, even if and when they call themselves “activists.”
Make that the next time this stuff happens, Mr. Mayor.
The correct response to lawlessness is to enforce the law.
The proper answer to lawbreakers is to arrest them.
If Democratic mayors really care as much about the poor and the hungry and the ill housed as they say they do, they had better start protecting our cities and the safety of the citizens of the city.
No more lawbreaking with impunity.
Respect for the people of the city, as well as the law itself, demands that the law be enforced.
No more warnings that the law
be enforced next time. Enforce it this time, and each time. And give the police the tools they need to do it as safely as possible.
Let’s be clear: Most people who seek justice, racial reconciliation and police reform detest violence, assault in any form and lawbreaking in any form.
Indeed, some witnesses said the disrupters of the peace came from outside the demonstration. That is a consolation and makes some sense.
Truly peaceful protesters do not need second and third chances, because they do not break the law. Bullies do, because they flout the law. They don’t deserve more chances. Next time, arrest them.